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I try to flirt with all the medical staff I see. I want them to be nice and take real good care of me. Or maybe I'm just a big tease ... either way it seems to be working. I hope everything goes well with your other tests and appointments

AA

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It is not the arrival that matters. It is the journey along the way. -- Michel Montaigne

The last sonogram I had was of my thyroid a few years back. I am overdue for a colonoscopy and I had been putting it off. The thought of something going up my ass just wasn't appealing to me but maybe I should've gotten it done sooner. Hindsight and all that junk.

Fearless, you noticed that too. What gets me is the shit is usually uncalled for when it comes down to it and I am the one who never starts shit. And it is never my shit but other people's shit that they expect me to deal with or take care of. Shiiiiiiiiiiiiiiittttttttt!!!!!

Just a brief update---MRI is scheduled for Wednesday, same day as my appointment with my ID doc so I should have a bit to report or hopefully not. Then the coming Friday is the sonogram. My nerves haven't kicked in yet, I expect that to happen closer to appointment time. Just sending out a memo is all...

Not much of an update but an update...Went and had the MRI done today, I guess results will be back in a few days. I went to my ID doc too for an appointment. Here is where I need some advice. Viral load was not back yet but my cd4 was at 705 and percentage at 26. Sounded great to me but my doc thinks because I missed a week of meds that it is not accurate. You can look at my sig and see what my counts have been since I started the Atripla. I don't think it is a mistake but we decided to do another cd4 and viral load in about a month to see who is right...me or him. I know I am not a doctor but if my cd4 damn near doubled from the time I started and within 3 months time, why is it so hard for him to believe that my cd4 could actually be 705?

I decided to go with it until the next draw. I have had enough bad news when it comes to my health in other areas so I'm going with it and believeing this is not some kind of blip. But I would appreciate some input from you guys if you feel up to it.

Tomorrow is the appointment with the lung specialist. I will post what I find out. I haven't heard anything back from the liver specialist about the MRI but I think I will call my primary tomorrow and see what he can find out. I just wish they would keep me in the damn loop. You would think they would think I would want to know the results.

I think you're right on ("You would think they would think I would want to know the results.")

One thing I've realized is that this virus is so many different things to different people. Some have been positive 20+ years and still not on meds. Others start meds well above 300 t-cells and never seem to move. Still others start meds with a hand full of t-cells and take quantum leaps to respectable numbers. So, yeah, I think it possible and I'll keep my fingers crossed that is true. I've also been keeping up on everything else and am hoping for the best.

Back from the lung specialist. It would seem that the nodule on my lung is very small. So small that the specialist is even surprised that the cat scan picked it up. He doesn't know what it is but says it is not cancer. The only thing he can do is monitor it for the next 2 years and get scans done every 4 months. Now the liver specialist says that there is indeed a lesion on my liver but now he wants to send me to UPMC in Pittsburgh or some clinic in Cleavland depending on which one will accept my insurance. That gives me cause to worry because it makes me feel that it must be something serious if they want me to go out of town to get it looked at. But it also leaves the problem of how in the hell am I going to get there? My car is still not legal yet and I can depend on my friend who takes me to all my other appointments to drive me out of town. I swear if it isn't one thing, it is definitely another. But that is pretty much it and they still haven't gotten all my lab results back yet.

Queen -- I'm impressed with how much effort you are putting into having all your health issues looked into and dealt with. I joined this thread late, but am hoping all your tests end up with relatively easy solutions. Stay strong.

Joel---Yeah, the news from the lung specialist was good news but can't help but feel the news from the liver specialist as bad. Whenever something is wrong in these parts they ship you off to Pittsburgh or Cleavland.

Peter--- My late case manager at my ASO encouraged me to be proactive with my health. I remember when I wouldn't even go to clinic appointments and he had to bribe me to get me there. Since then, I have made it a point to stay on top of things regarding my health. I usually go along with what my doctors say but best believe I ask a lot of questions. I learned that since being a part of these forums. The nurses love that I do but I think it kind of gets on the doctors' nerves. I already have enough health issues working against me and if I can live with this virus for over 10 years, I refuse to let anything else take me out without a fight.

Good news that they aren't worried about the cyst and hopefully the liver lession is something that can be easily dealt with. Rather than being worried about being sent to PIT or CLE be happy (or try to be -- I know easier said then done) that they are trying to get you the best possible care.

I hope you have great news to post soon!

AA

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It is not the arrival that matters. It is the journey along the way. -- Michel Montaigne

Good news that they aren't worried about the cyst and hopefully the liver lession is something that can be easily dealt with. Rather than being worried about being sent to PIT or CLE be happy (or try to be -- I know easier said then done) that they are trying to get you the best possible care.

I hope you have great news to post soon!

AA

I'm not complaining about them trying to get me the best possible care but if the doctor I saw was suppose to be a specialist then why the hell do I have to travel to Pittsburgh or Cleavland? Just because a trip for them to those places is probably not a problem, it may well just be one for me. I am not made of money---so it's not like I can go rent a car and just go.

I'm not complaining about them trying to get me the best possible care but if the doctor I saw was suppose to be a specialist then why the hell do I have to travel to Pittsburgh or Cleavland? Just because a trip for them to those places is probably not a problem, it may well just be one for me. I am not made of money---so it's not like I can go rent a car and just go.

I sooo understand. I have to travel 3hrs each way every few weeks to see my GI people since the ones I had up here told me my case was too complex for them. The gas alone is driving me further into the poor house. I was just trying to put a positive spin on it ... but yeah it sucks.

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It is not the arrival that matters. It is the journey along the way. -- Michel Montaigne

congrats on the lung news!1 down and 2 more to go. when is the appt with the other dr? hey, how far is it? i know your state is small as hell. here in big ol cali from sd to sf can be a good 10 + hours. i know, its a really irrelevant example and 30 minutes away without a car is a bitch. but, with that said, maybe if your appt is far enough in the future you can plan things out to your advantage.

now, how do you feel? i hope the lung prognosis has brought a lil calm into your life and allowed you to focus more of your energies elsewhere. keep up posted qt : )

I wish I had something to report, sweetheart. They have not called me back to let me know where I am suppose to be going. I did contact my ASO for assistance but I won't find anything out til next week sometime because my case manager only comes in twice a week. I will give them a call tomorrow to see if I can find out anything. I haven't even gotten the blood work results back. I guess it must have been a busy week for them and honestly I am catching my breath from all these scans and tests that I had done. Something tells me that wherever they decide to send me, I'll probably be making a few return trips.

Another update...I am scheduled to go to UPMC Preb on June 3rd. Now I have to figure out how I am going to get there. I am thinking of trying to rent a car, that would be the easiest option if I can come up with the money.

Well, let's see...train is not an option because none would get me there on time, I didn't bother with how much it was when I saw what the schedule was, there was no point. The hound leaves before banks open so I wouldn't make in time to buy a ticket and the next one would get me there too late. My case manager at my ASO is trying to contact my case worker to see if she can do anything which I doubt she can. The only option I see is renting a car and even in that case I would have to take money from one of my bills to pay for it. But I need a CC, I have pre-paid one but not sure if the car rental place will accept that. If they don't then basically I am stuck like Chuck.Frustrating to say the least and am hoping for a miracle. At this point, I need something to go my way for a change.

I don't understand the "bank" excuse. Why can't you withdraw money the day before?

Why do you consider it an excuse? I am simply telling the truth. I am not made of money and don't have but a few dollars, literally in my account. I can not withdraw my money the day before check day? If it was in there at a time when I could then I would purchase a ticket the day before. My money does not get into my account until the wee hours of the morning and by then the greyhound station is not open. Not everyone can jet set around the world like you do, dear!

Why do you consider it an excuse? I am simply telling the truth. I am not made of money and don't have but a few dollars, literally in my account. I can not withdraw my money the day before check day? If it was in there at a time when I could then I would purchase a ticket the day before. My money does not get into my account until the wee hours of the morning and by then the greyhound station is not open. Not everyone can jet set around the world like you do, dear!

You didn't explain it in those terms the first go around. How am I to know every intricacy of your life? Jebus.

So, why don't you try and change the day of this appointment? Though I don't know why I'd bother suggesting something because you're just going to bite my head off.

You didn't explain it in those terms the first go around. How am I to know every intricacy of your life? Jebus.

So, why don't you try and change the day of this appointment? Though I don't know why I'd bother suggesting something because you're just going to bite my head off.

Well, excuse me for being a bit frustrated. Things don't come as easily to me as they seem to for you. I don't have long distance to call Pittsburgh and reschedule. And I'm quite sure if I could they wouldn't schedule on check day like they did this time. Which would allow me to have some change to eat with or whatever. But I am sure that just sounds like another excuse to you, I am sure.

I am not here pan handling for money but thought I was updating those who seem to give a damn. But since it appears that I am whining, at least to you, I will keep my thoughts to myself or express them elsewhere.

So if any moderators would please lock this thread, I would appreciate it.

My money does not get into my account until the wee hours of the morning and by then the greyhound station is not open.

Hi QueenieIs there anyway you can use your credit card at an ATM and withdraw your money before the greyhound station opens, so you can have the money for when the station opens and be able to purchase your ticket for the early bus?...have you heard anything from your ASO regarding getting help from your case worker?.

I called Enterprise's national number and based on the conversation I had you would be well-advised to call them, explain what you have and don't have. They sell damage waiver insurance, personal liability insurance up to $1 million and have policies/procedures that come into play when someone doesn't have a major credit card. When they ask you to bring a utility receipt and pay stub, don't stop there, explain the disability component and keep moving forward. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. Make some calls! If they can't help you, call another agency, but Enterprise has distinct advantages including the pick you up at your door service.

I am not here pan handling for money but thought I was updating those who seem to give a damn. But since it appears that I am whining, at least to you, I will keep my thoughts to myself or express them elsewhere.

I understand that my use of the word "excuse" was clumsy and misconstrued. And certainly no where did I, or anyone else for that matter, imply that you were asking for cash donations from the board. Not sure where that one came from. I understand that you are frustrated, but it wasn't just me that didn't understand the "June 3rd" factor instantly.

It's unfortunate that you feel the need to lash out at others that are trying to help you, and I for one know that I've helped you in the past with information so frankly I'm a bit appalled at the supposition you have made. Like I said, I apologize for my wording and hope you sort out this situation.

Well, let's see...train is not an option because none would get me there on time, I didn't bother with how much it was when I saw what the schedule was, there was no point. The hound leaves before banks open so I wouldn't make in time to buy a ticket and the next one would get me there too late. My case manager at my ASO is trying to contact my case worker to see if she can do anything which I doubt she can. The only option I see is renting a car and even in that case I would have to take money from one of my bills to pay for it. But I need a CC, I have pre-paid one but not sure if the car rental place will accept that. If they don't then basically I am stuck like Chuck.Frustrating to say the least and am hoping for a miracle. At this point, I need something to go my way for a change.

Hello your majesty

Sorry to read how difficult things are recently. I was inspired by Emeraldize's post and did some additional checking into greyhound, since you had mentioned it as your initial choice above. They have a web site that appears to accept credit cards and provides that you can either pick up the ticket or have it mailed to you. It might be worthwhile to see if they would accept your credit card over the internet (the non-refundable fare appears to be $47 round trip if I have your itinerary correct)

Hope this is useful and not just sending you down a path you've tried already

"...health will finally be seen not as a blessing to be wished for, but as a human right to be fought for." Kofi Annan

Nymphomaniac: a woman as obsessed with sex as an average man. Mignon McLaughlin

HIV is certainly character-building. It's made me see all of the shallow things we cling to, like ego and vanity. Of course, I'd rather have a few more T-cells and a little less character. Randy Shilts

Missed this thread Queen but just wanted to say I hope all works out soon for ya

Mike

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"Get your medical advice from Doctors or medical professionals who you trust and know your history."

"Beware of the fortune teller doom and gloomers who seek to bring you down and are only looking for company, purpose and validation - not your best physical/mental interests."

"You know you all are saying that this is incurable. When the real thing you should be saying is it's not curable at the present time' because as we know, the great strides we've made in medicine." - Elizabeth Edwards

I think she noted in a post she has a pre-paid credit card which is what people are referring to as a credit card.

One other possibility to check out is Craigslist...I did. Found the following poster who periodically makes runs from Pgh to Erie and back. Why not contact them, see if their schedule jibes with yours? And, make your own Craigslist post saying you need a ride on a certain day/time. Heck, if you can get one way knocked out that will save you some money and all you do is contribute to their gas.(even though this person sounds willing to just be eco-conscious) Your return trip could be by bus because you don't have the same restrictions as to arrival time for an appointment. Copy of post follows.Please don't speed read this person's post. I know it says May 11 or 12th, but it also says this person makes this trip fairly frequently and encourages contact to discuss other dates.

I was just wondering if anyone wanted to carpool with me or just needed a ride to Erie on Sunday May 11th or really early Monday May 12th. I just hate to waste my gas on only myself when I can carpool if someone needs to. Additionally I make this trip somewhat frequently so if this doesn't work you can ask me if another time is good.

Location: Pittsburgh it's NOT ok to contact this poster with services or other commercial interests

And basically having a prepaid credit card is not worth anything either. I did call Enterprise, Em. And for me to use my prepaid card, I have to put down a deposit as well as the money for the rental, along with 2 bills(utility) with a zero balance. I don't have any bills with a zero balance though they have been getting paid monthly.

And riding with a stranger even if they are posting in Craig's list does not sound safe to me. Would you really do something like that? So, I don't consider that an option, the world is too crazy to be jumping in a car with someone I wouldn't even know, my ass could end up in a ditch somewhere. And I don't consider that exaggerating.

And the hound with my prepaid would not work because I could not purchase it in advance. Have to have money on the prepaid and can't do that til the day of and once banks open which would conflict with the bus schedule. I appreciate those of you who are trying to think of options for me.

Philly, I owe you an apology. I shouldn't have snapped at you the way I did. I am running on pure frustration at the moment. I know you were trying to help. And I am woman enough to admit when I am wrong. So, I apologize to you.

And riding with a stranger even if they are posting in Craig's list does not sound safe to me. Would you really do something like that? So, I don't consider that an option, the world is too crazy to be jumping in a car with someone I wouldn't even know, my ass could end up in a ditch somewhere. And I don't consider that exaggerating.

To answer your question, yes, I really would, but not as a result of the scenario you envision.

Frankly, there's something to the tone of the first Craig's list that struck me it was a woman author. But, it really doesn't matter what I would do---you don't want to contact someone, you won't.

Most everyone here has taken a risk at one time or another far, far greater than finding out if someone on Craigslist is legit. You don't just jump in a car. You correspond/talk to the person, you get information, etc. and so do they. Do you think they'd take "just anyone" on a 2-1/2 hour ride without some due diligence?

Don't you think that person is taking an equally great risk? Hell, you could hijack their car AND kill them.

Anyone's ass can end up in a ditch, or raped in a motel, and it quite often happens when someone is kidnapped in a store parking lot getting into their car. If I had no viable alternatives that pleased me, I'd look seriously at the next tier of options and figure out if any were viable.

Well, I'm so curious to see if my hunch is correct, I'm going to contact the author to see if it is a woman. And, no matter who it is, female or male, I'm going to learn how a Craigslist interaction would go in case I ever want to contact someone on Craigslist who's selling an item, offering babysitting or tutoring, needs an employee, or, needs a ride to a city I'm headed to----'cause with the price of gas at $4.00/gal---ridesharing is a very intelligent thing to do--financially and ecologically.

You'd be amazed how people get around in the developing world. The risk is the ride itself due to terrain, vehicle condition, war, politics-- not the because of the driver or the complete strangers one is jammed up against in the back of an open-bed truck.

Honestly, what I said doesn't seem far fetched to me. Good Luck corresponding with whoever about getting a ride. I will not risk my LIFE riding with a stranger and Craig's list has had it's share of rip offs or whatever. I believe that someone on the forums got a room mate from there and it turned out badly.

I will wait and see what else my case manager will come up with, if nothing then I won't go, simple as that.